US8142365B2 - Apparatus and method for accessing the bone marrow of the sternum - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for accessing the bone marrow of a human's sternum is provided. The apparatus includes a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the sternum, a trigger mechanism configured to engage when the tissue penetrator contacts the sternum and a depth control mechanism operable to limit the penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum to a pre-selected depth.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/449,503 filed May 30, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,328, and entitled “Apparatus and Method to Provide Emergency Access to Bone Marrow,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/384,756 filed May 31, 2002.

This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/519,462, filed Nov. 12, 2003, and foreign priority to Taiwan Patent Application Serial No. 93134480, filed Nov. 11, 2004, and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Accessing the Bone Marrow of the Sternum.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related in general to an apparatus and method to access the bone marrow and specifically to an apparatus and method for accessing the bone marrow of a human's sternum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every year, millions of patients are treated for life-threatening emergencies in the United States. Such emergencies include shock, trauma, cardiac arrest, drug overdoses, diabetic ketoacidosis, arrhythmias, burns, and status epilepticus just to name a few. For example, according to the American Heart Association, more than 1,500,000 patients suffer from heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) every year, with over 500,000 of them dying from its devastating complications. In addition, many wounded soldiers die unnecessarily because intravenous (IV) access cannot be achieved in a timely manner. Many soldiers die within an hour of injury, usually from severe bleeding and/or shock.

An essential element for treating all such emergencies is the rapid establishment of an IV line in order to administer drugs and fluids directly into the circulatory system. Whether in the ambulance by paramedics, in the emergency room by emergency specialists or on the battlefield by an Army medic, the goal is the same—to start an IV in order to administer life-saving drugs and fluids. To a large degree, the ability to successfully treat such critical emergencies is dependent on the skill and luck of the operator in accomplishing vascular access. While it is relatively easy to start an IV on some patients, doctors, nurses and paramedics often experience great difficulty establishing IV access in approximately 20 percent of patients. The success rate on the battlefield is much lower where Army medics are only about 29 percent successful in starting an IV line during emergency conditions in the field. These patients are probed repeatedly with sharp needles in an attempt to solve this problem and may require an invasive procedure to finally establish an intravenous route.

In the case of patients with chronic disease or the elderly, the availability of easily-accessible veins may be depleted. Other patients may have no available IV sites due to anatomical scarcity of peripheral veins, obesity, extreme dehydration or previous IV drug use. For these patients, finding a suitable site for administering lifesaving drugs becomes a monumental and frustrating task. While morbidity and mortality statistics are not generally available, it is known that many patients with life-threatening emergencies have died of ensuing complications because access to the vascular system with life-saving IV therapy was delayed or simply not possible. For such patients, an alternative approach is required.

The intraosseous (IO) space provides a direct conduit to the systemic circulation and, therefore, is an attractive alternate route to administer IV drugs and fluids. Intraosseous infusion has long been the standard of care in pediatric emergencies when rapid IV access is not possible. The military used hand-driven IO needles for infusions extensively and successfully during World War II, but the needles were cumbersome, difficult to use, and often had to be driven into the bone. Drugs administered intraosseously enter the circulation as rapidly as they do when given intravenously. In essence, the bone marrow is considered to be a large non-collapsible vein.

Although effective in achieving IO access, the currently available IO infusion devices suffer from several significant limitations. Current devices are single-use only and bulky, which limits the number of devices a medic can take into the field. Manually inserted IO needles are very difficult to use in hard adult bones. Current devices frequently penetrate not only the anterior bone cortex, but may also the posterior cortex. In addition, some current devices pose a significant risk of shattering the bone upon use. After the needle is inserted, many current devices suffer from a high rate of dislodgement from the bone because of the non-axial manner in which they must be inserted. Dislodgement often leads to extravasation (leakage of fluid from the entry points of the needle).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with teachings of the present invention, various embodiments of an apparatus to access the bone marrow of a human's sternum are provided including various embodiments of a means to control depth of penetration into the bone marrow. In some embodiments, an apparatus of the invention includes a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the sternum, a power mechanism operable to drive the tissue penetrator into the sternum (driver), and a depth control mechanism operable to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum. The tissue penetrator may include a pressure-sensitive probe capable of transmitting pressure changes to a sensor within the apparatus. The power mechanism may include axial force delivered by an operator. A driver may include a power source selected from the group consisting of a motor, a battery, a coiled spring, compressed gas, and a solar power cell. A tissue penetrator may include an outer cannula and an inner trocar. A tissue penetrator assembly may include a tissue penetrator, a connector such as a luer lock, a collar, and/or a blade. A depth control mechanism may include a trigger, physical stops at preset positions, a revolutions-per-minute (RPM) sensor, a torque sensor, a power sensor, a reverse clutch, a gear, an ultrasound sensor, and/or a depth probe or sensor. A trigger may be operably connected to the motor and/or a switch such that upon meeting a preset condition (e.g. change in RPM or torque, change in power consumption, physical contact with bone), tissue penetrator advancement is either terminated or proceeds to a preset depth level.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the driving force for tissue penetration is derived in whole or in part from the application of pressure by the operator. The applied pressure may activate a driver according to the invention. When the applied pressure surpasses a preset threshold, it may engage a manual driver means whereby operator action (e.g. pressure or movement) directly advances the tissue penetrator.

The present invention also provides a tissue penetrator that includes a means, whereby the tissue penetrator itself serves as the depth probe. Thus, the tissue penetrator itself may include a sensor operably linked to a trigger that, in turn, is operably linked to the driver.

In addition, the present invention provides a method of rapidly establishing access to intraosseous circulation via the intraosseous space including contacting a subject with an apparatus having a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the sternum, a driver operable to drive the tissue penetrator into the sternum, and a depth control mechanism operable to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum and deploying the tissue penetrator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete and thorough understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing the gross bone structure of the sternocostal region of a human;

FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1 and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle;

FIG. 2B is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 2A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 3A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1 and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle;

FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 3A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 4A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 4A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle;

FIG. 4C is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 4A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an elevation view of a tissue penetrator having a depth control mechanism actuated by a gear in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 6A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle;

FIG. 6C is a schematic drawing of the apparatus and sternum shown inFIG. 6A, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 6D is a flowchart of the signal processing between the ultrasound sensing device and driver ofFIGS. 6A-6C;

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1, the probe has penetrated the skin and muscle, and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1, the sliding collar has penetrated the skin and muscle, and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 9A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow having a vertical reverse clutch mechanism and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vertical reverse clutch mechanism of the apparatus shown inFIG. 9A with the vertical pin in the engaged position;

FIG. 9C is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reverse clutch mechanism of the apparatus shown inFIG. 9A with the vertical pin in the disengaged position;

FIG. 10A is a schematic drawing of a plan view of a horizontal reverse clutch mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention wherein the horizontal pins are in the engaged position, contacting the pawls;

FIG. 10B is a schematic drawing of the horizontal reverse clutch mechanism shown inFIG. 10A, wherein the horizontal pins are in the disengaged position, not contacting the pawls, such that the concentric clutch flywheel comes to a rest;

FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of horizontal pins with leaf springs, pawls, and the shaft of a horizontal reverse clutch according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a schematic drawing of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow having a torque or RPM sensor;

FIG. 12B is a schematic drawing of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow having a power sensor;

FIG. 13A is a graph showing the change in torque or amperage as a function of depth of bone penetration with the inflection point marked with an encircled “P” indicating the point at which penetration of the anterior cortex is complete;

FIG. 13B is a graph showing the change in power as a function of depth of bone penetration with the inflection point marked with an encircled “P” indicating the point at which penetration of the anterior cortex is complete;

FIG. 14A is a schematic drawing showing an elevation view of intraosseous tissue penetrators with collars according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow and a human sternum, wherein the apparatus is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1 and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 15A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an intraosseous tissue penetrator assembly with a built-in blade according to the teachings of the present invention and a human sternum, wherein the assembly is positioned on the skin of a human at the location shown inFIG. 1 and the tissue penetrator has not penetrated the skin;

FIG. 15B is a schematic drawing showing a radial cross-section of the tissue penetrator assembly shown inFIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the tissue penetrator assembly shown inFIG. 15A and a human sternum, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle and the blade has penetrated the skin;

FIG. 15D is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the tissue penetrator assembly shown inFIG. 15A and a human sternum, wherein the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space and wherein the blade is in its retracted position;

FIG. 16A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow according to the teachings of the present invention, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the disengaged position and the needle shield is attached;

FIG. 16B is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the apparatus shown inFIG. 16A, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the engaged position and the needle shield is attached;

FIG. 16C is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the apparatus shown inFIG. 16A, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the engaged position, the needle shield is detached, and the needle and probes have been inserted into the soft tissue of a subject;

FIG. 16D is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the apparatus shown inFIG. 16A and a human sternum, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the deployed position, the probes have penetrated the skin and muscle, and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex and entered the intraosseous space;

FIG. 16E is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the disposable cartridge shown inFIG. 16D after the handle has been removed;

FIG. 17A is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of an apparatus for accessing sternal bone marrow according to the teachings of the present invention and a human sternum, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the engaged position, the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin and muscle;

FIG. 17B is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the apparatus shown inFIG. 17A, wherein the reusable handle and the disposable cartridge are in the deployed position and the tissue penetrator has penetrated the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex; and

FIG. 17C is a schematic drawing showing a longitudinal cross-section of the disposable cartridge shown inFIG. 17B after the handle has been removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages are best understood by reference toFIGS. 1-17B wherein like numbers refer to same and like parts. Table 1 lists reference numerals with their associated names and figures in which they appear.

TABLE 1
No.	Feature Name	FIGS.

10	housing	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 16A, 16B,
		16C, 16D, 17A, 17B
11	cassette	16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E
	housing
12	flange	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 6A, 6B, 6C,
		7, 8, 9A, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D,
		17A
13	support member	16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E
14	end member	16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E
15	cartridge	16A, 16E
16	detent	16A, 16E
17	engaging lock	16A
18	needle shield	16A, 16B
19	reusable handle	16A, 16B, 16C, 16D
20	driver	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 7, 8
21	battery	2A, 2B, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A
22	motor	2A, 2B, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A
23	drive shaft	2A, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6A, 6B,
		6C, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 9C
24	coupling end	2A, 2B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8
25	spring	3A, 3B, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D,
		17A, 17B
26	coupling end	3A, 3B
30	tissue	14B, 17B
	penetrator
	assembly
31	hub	14B, 17A, 17B, 17C
32	flange	14B, 17A, 17B, 17C
33	screw	14B, 17A, 17B, 17C
34	blade	15A, 15B, 15C, 15D
35	retraction	15A, 15C, 15D
	lever
40	tissue	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5,
	penetrator	6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 9C,
		15A, 15C, 15D, 16A, 16B, 16C,
		16D, 16E, 17A, 17B, 17C
41	cannula	14A, 14B, 15B
42	trocar	10A, 10B, 14A, 14B, 15B
43	collar	14A, 15A, 15C, 15D
44	sliding collar	8
45	connector	4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 14B, 16A, 16E,
		17A, 17B, 17C
46	central line	10A, 10B, 11, 15B
50	annular stop	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C
51	first	4A, 4B, 4C
	penetration
	shoulder
52	threaded	4A, 4B, 4C
	annulus
53	second	4A, 4B, 4C
	penetration
	shoulder
54	third	4A, 4B, 4C
	penetration
	shoulder
55	ribs	5
56	gear	5
57	suspension	5
	member
58	support annulus	5
60	vertical clutch	9A, 9B, 9C
	drive member
61	vertical clutch	9A, 9B, 9C
	flywheel
62	vertical	9A, 9B, 9C
	engaging pin
63	concentric	10A, 10B
	clutch drive
	member
64	concentric	10A, 10B, 11
	clutch flywheel
65	horizontal	10A, 10B, 11
	engaging pin
66	pawl	10A, 10B, 11
67	coil spring	10A, 10B, 11
68	leaf spring	11
70	probe	7, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E
71	ultrasonic	6A, 6B, 6C
	sensor
90	sternum	1
91	ribs	1
92	skin	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 15A,
		15C, 15D, 16C, 16D, 16E, 17A,
		17B, 17C
93	muscle	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 15A,
		15C, 15D, 16C, 16D, 16E, 17A,
		17B, 17C
94	bone	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 15C,
		15D, 16D, 17A, 17B
95	anterior cortex	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
		6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 15A,
		15C, 15D, 16D, 17A, 17B
96	intraosseous	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
	space	6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 15A,
		15C, 15D, 16D, 17A, 17B
97	posterior	2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 6A,
	cortex	6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 14B, 16D,
		17A, 17B

The sternum, as shown inFIG. 1, is a flat, narrow bone comprising three segments, the manubrium, the gladiolus, and the xiphoid process. Each segment includes an intraosseous space bounded by compact bone. According to the present invention, the intraosseous space is the region where cancellous bone and the medullary cavity combine. Bone marrow includes blood, blood forming cells, and connective tissue found in the intraosseous space. For purposes of illustration, compact bone that is nearer to the anterior or dorsal surface shall be referred to as “anterior compact bone” or “anterior bone cortex” and compact bone that is farther from the dorsal or anterior surface shall be referred to as “posterior compact bone” or “posterior bone cortex.”

According to one non-limiting embodiment, an apparatus of the invention may include (a) a driver operable to drive at least a portion of a tissue penetrator into the intraosseous space, (b) a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the anterior cortex of a sternum, and (c) a depth control mechanism operable to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum. For example, in some embodiments, the depth control mechanism may include a pressure-sensing tissue penetrator that transmits pressure changes on insertion to a sensor. The sensor then activates a trigger which in turn activates a motor or other mechanism to cause the tissue penetrator to insert into the intraossesous space a pre-selected depth.

Devices of the invention may be configured in any convenient form. For example, in some embodiments, the tissue penetrator, driver, and depth control mechanism may be arranged in separate housings or bundled in a single housing. Housings of the invention may be formed in any suitable configuration including, without limitation, shapes like a cylinder, a barrel, a bullet, a carpenter's drill, a pistol, or any other convenient form.

Driver

The driver provides power to the tissue penetrator. The power to penetrate the skin, muscle, and anterior cortex may be supplied to the tissue penetrator by any suitable means including, without limitation, one or more of the following: a battery, a spring, compressed gas, manual force, and any other mechanical or electrical source of rotation or reciprocation. The power may also be supplied directly or indirectly (e.g. using gears) by the operator and/or the patient. In addition to batteries, electric power may come from any other suitable source including conventional hospital or home wall outlets. The power source may be operably coupled with a motor. Motors of the invention may be selected from the group consisting of DC motors, AC motors, compressed gas motors, wound spring motors, and reciprocating motors. Motors of the invention may also be coupled to one or more gears, which may optionally be positioned in one or more gear boxes.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B,driver20 includesbattery21 andmotor22 that are electrically coupled and contained withinhousing10.Driver20 also includesdrive shaft23 operably linked tomotor22.Driver20 further includescoupling end24 attached to driveshaft23. Couplingend24 in this and other embodiments may include a gear box. Similarly,FIGS. 6A,6B,6C,7,8,9A, and14B show other embodiments in which the driver may include like batteries, motors, and drive shafts.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B,driver20 includesspring25 andcoupling end26 whereinspring25 andcoupling end26 are connected and contained withinhousing10. By contrast, according to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 16A,16B,16C,16D,17A, and17B,driver20 includesspring25 without a connecting member.Spring25 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the closed-end of the housing fixing the position of that end ofspring25. In some embodiments of the invention, couplingend26 may further include a trigger mechanism for releasably holdingspring25 in a compressed “ready” position, a sensor for detecting pressure changes from the tissue penetrator and any other necessary relay circuit required to activate the trigger and or driver.

Tissue Penetrator

Typically, a tissue penetrator will include an outer sheath, such as a needle and an inner trocar. Tissue penetrators of the invention may include in various combinations a needle, a needle set, a cannula, a trocar, a stylet, a catheter, or combinations thereof. Needles that are suitable for use in the present invention may be from about twenty gauge to about ten gauge. In some preferred embodiments, a tissue penetrator includes an outer needle or cannula and an inner trocar or stylet. In these embodiments, the trocar or stylet may prevent clogging of the needle by bone fragments during the drilling process. The tissue penetrator may include a needle set in which the component trocar and cannula are ground together to produce a matched set of a specific design to facilitate passage through bone.

According to the invention, a tissue penetrator assembly includes a tissue penetrator. It may further include a collar, a connector, a hub, and combinations thereof. Collars of the invention, when present, may serve as depth control mechanisms. Connectors or hubs may serve as a means to connect an inserted catheter to a source of fluids or drugs including without limitation, blood, intravenous fluids of various formulations and any other fluid or medication suitable for intravenous administration.

In some embodiments, a connector or hub may be any structure that supports or permits unidirectional or bidirectional access to the intraosseous space. Connectors may include one or more locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnections between a source of intravenous fluid and the inserted cannula. Connectors such as Luer locks may be male or female. In some preferred embodiments, a connector is a luer lock.

According to the present invention, a tissue penetrator assembly may further include a hub with a flange to protect the skin and to stabilize the device after insertion into a human's sternum. The hub also provides a handle to remove the IO needle after use. The hub flange is the flat end of the hub that is nearer to the skin. Hubs may be made of any material, preferably a material that may be rendered sterile.

In one specific embodiment, shown inFIG. 14B,tissue penetrator assembly30 includesconnector45,hub31 withflange32,screw33,cannula41 andcollar43. As shown, the stylet has been removed.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tissue penetrator may be propelled into the IO space without rotation. This may be by direct manual force, or by a reciprocating action. In some embodiments, the needle may be rotated about its longitudinal axis in order to facilitate entry into the IO space. The needle may be rotated even where a driver including a spring is used. One way to rotate a spring-driven needle is to rotatably couple it with the housing. For example, a spring-driven needle may be fixedly attached to a coupling end having male threads on its outer circumference. This coupling end may be mated with a housing with corresponding female threads on its inner circumference. Consequently, as the spring propels the coupling end and attached needle through the housing, the coupling end would rotate. A spring may also be used to drive a tissue penetrator into the IO space by an impact force without rotation.

As a further aid to IO entry, a small incision may be made in the patient's skin at the site where IO entry is desired. For example, if a collar is included with the apparatus, a skin incision will facilitate passage of the tissue penetrator to the bone. The incision may be formed using any suitable surgical blade, which may optionally form part of the tissue penetrator assembly. One or more blades may be included. Blades may be configured to be collapsible, removable, or retractable.

For example, according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 15B,retractable blade34 is movably attached to opposite sides ofcannula41 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis ofcannula41. As shown inFIG. 15C,blade34 may be used in a simple process to automatically form an incision inskin92 at the proper place and of the proper size to permit ingress oftissue penetrator40, which includescannula41 andtrocar42, andcollar43. The initial incision may be made by the needle itself as shown inFIG. 15A. The opposing blade configuration allowsblade34 to retract so that the drilling process may proceed after insertion. Retraction may be accomplished by actuating retraction lever35 (FIG. 15D). Although not expressly shown, the opposing blade configuration may also allow the use of break-away blades that are removed after insertion, but prior to drilling.

Depth Control Mechanism

According to the teachings of the present invention, sternal IO access devices may incorporate a mechanism to prevent over-penetrating the sternum, which could potentially damage underlying structures in the chest cavity. This mechanism may include mechanical stops, electrical stops, depth detectors, and combinations thereof. An electrical stop may prevent the operator from over-drilling by interrupting drill rotation and/or advancement when it detects that the needle tip has penetrated into the sternal IO space. An electrical stop may include a pressure-sensing tissue penetrator connected to a sensor that activates a trigger to control the driver such that a tissue penetrator is inserted to a pre-selected depth in the IO space. An electrical stop may also accurately detect the location of the cortex so that the tissue penetrator may be safely advanced to a predetermined depth in the IO space. An electrical stop may include a torque detector, an ultrasound probe, a mechanical probe, or a fluid detector.

Mechanical stops include a preset drill depth (similar to a stop on a commercial drill), a collar attached to a needle or tissue penetrator, and a reverse clutch mechanism that prevents further drilling once the needle tip enters the intraosseous space of the sternum. Mechanical stops may have a fixed position or may be adjustable. If the mechanical stops are adjustable, they may be preset or adjusted while drilling is in progress. As shown inFIG. 2,annular stop50 is a rib that traces the inner circumference ofhousing10 and arrests advancement oftissue penetrator40 by physically obstructing passage ofcoupling end24. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3,annular stop50 obstructs passage ofcoupling end26. Such physical stops may also be formed in any other suitable shape including, without limitation, arcs, bars, bumps, and ridges. Other options include a track including a groove of finite length on the inner surface of the housing and a corresponding ridge on the outer circumference of the coupling end.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B illustrates that the depth of needle penetration may also be controlled by forming an enlargement or ridge around (e.g. collar) the tissue penetrator.Collar43 is preset at the desired distance from the needle tip to assure proper placement of the device.Collar43 may be cylindrical with symmetrically beveled ends to promote easier entry through the skin as shown in the left side ofFIG. 14A or any other suitable shape and configuration necessary to achieve its purpose. Alternatively,collar43 may have a beveled proximal end and a sheer distal end as shown in the right side ofFIG. 14A. The acute angle or right angle of the distal end ofcollar43 may promote a more secure stop against accidental over-penetration. The proximal end ofcollar43 remains tapered to promote easy egress from the skin.

Another non-limiting embodiment of a mechanical stop is a gear that engages ridges on the drive shaft (FIG. 5) thus allowing depth control without interfering with rotation oftissue penetrator40.Gear56 is rotatably coupled tosuspension member57, which in turn is mounted onsupport57. As shown inFIG. 5,gear56 is disengaged fromribs55. While not expressly pictured,gear56 may contact and engageribs55 by any suitable mechanism. A gear of the invention may be configured to rotate a preset number of revolutions. Alternatively, the gear may be spring-loaded such that resistance increases with advancement, thereby creating a counter-balancing force to the driver. Devices with such gears may further reduce the possibility of penetrating or damaging the posterior cortex and underlying organs. A gear may also be operably linked to a sensor such that it may engage thedrive shaft ribs55 and stop needle advancement upon satisfaction of a pre-selected threshold.

The invention also provides embodiments in which a reverse clutch mechanism is used to arrest bone penetration (FIGS. 9-11). According to the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 9A, driveshaft23, which is rotatably coupled withmotor21, is fixedly connected to verticalclutch drive member60. Verticalclutch drive member60 is releasably coupled to verticalclutch flywheel61 by vertically engaging pin62 (FIGS. 9A and 9B).Flywheel61 is fixedly connected withtissue penetrator40 such that withdrawal of vertically engaging pin62 (FIG. 9C) interrupts the transfer of force frommotor21 totissue penetrator40. Accordingly,tissue penetrator40 may come to rest due to incidental frictional forces or an active breaking mechanism.

As pictured, vertical engaging pin is spring loaded.Pin62 may be configured to remain engaged only so long as lateral forces (torque) during the drilling process are maintained above a certain level. One may select or adjust the threshold torque required to maintain engagement, by selecting springs with a particular spring constant. As soon as the torque falls below this threshold, as it would when the needle penetrates the anterior cortex and enters the IO space,pin62 withdraws, disengaging the driver.

The reverse clutch mechanism may also be configured as concentric rings, one embodiment of which is illustrated inFIG. 10. In these embodiments, the drive shaft may be fixedly attached to a concentric clutch drive member. Concentricclutch drive member63 is releasably coupled to a concentricclutch flywheel64 by horizontal engagingpins65 andpawls66.FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of the invention in which horizontal engagingpins65 are engaged and concentricclutch drive member63 rotatesflywheel64. Horizontal engagingpins65 each includecoil spring67. When the tip of thetissue penetrator40 has entered the IO space, horizontal engagingpins65 withdraw frompawls66 such that concentricclutch drive member63 can no longer rotate flywheel64 (FIG. 10B).Flywheel64 and its associated tissue penetrator may then come to rest due to incidental frictional forces or an active breaking mechanism. According to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, horizontal engagingpin65 may further include aleaf spring68 that releasably engages pawl66 (FIG. 11). Bothcoil spring67 andleaf spring68 may be configured to be torque sensors.

Depth control mechanisms of the invention may include one or more depth sensors or probes. In one embodiment, depth sensors or probes may include pressure sensors. An example of this embodiment is shown inFIG. 7, wherein probes70 are operably linked to couplingend24, which may contain a pressure sensor and a trigger. Pressure on the tips ofprobes70 upon contacting bone is relayed to the sensor which activates the trigger. The trigger then starts advancement oftissue penetrator40 by activating the driver (FIG. 7).Tissue penetrator40 may be advanced a preset distance calculated to place the tip oftissue penetrator40 in the intraosseous space. Rotational forces (drilling), as opposed to impact forces, may be less traumatic on the bone and more precise in its application.

FIG. 8 illustrates another non-limiting embodiment of a closely-fitting,cylindrical collar44, which enclosestissue penetrator40, that may be used to locateanterior cortex95.Collar44, according to this embodiment, slides relative totissue penetrator40 along the longitudinal axis oftissue penetrator40. In its starting position,tissue penetrator40 is recessed withincollar44. As shown inFIG. 8, upon making contact withanterior cortex95, slidingcollar43 slides up intocoupling end24, which activatesmotor22 to drill a predetermined distance into the bone.Motor22 may be rotational or reciprocating. More generally, slidingcollar43 may be used to activate a driver of any kind.

Depth control using an IO device of the present invention may proceed in two stages as shown inFIG. 4. In the first stage, the needle may be advanced through the relatively soft tissues of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle. In the second stage, the needle is drilled or driven through the much harder anterior cortex.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 4A, the device includeshousing10,battery21,motor22,drive shaft23,tissue penetrator40,connector45,annular stop50,first penetration shoulder51, threadedannulus52,second penetration shoulder53, andthird penetration shoulder54. The tissue penetrator assembly, according to this embodiment, includestissue penetrator40,connector45,first penetration shoulder51, threadedannulus52,second penetration shoulder53, andthird penetration shoulder54. The drive shaft may or may not rotatetissue penetrator40 as it advances. Each annulus may include a pressure sensor, a trigger, or both a pressure sensor and a trigger.First penetration shoulder51 is fixedly connected to threadedannulus52 and driveshaft23.Second penetration shoulder53 is rotatably mounted on threadedannulus52. Third penetration shoulder is slidably mounted ontissue penetrator40. As shown, the device is in its “ready” or undeployed position.

The first stage of insertion is initiated when an operator contacts the device with the skin. Other activation methods are also possible. Upon contactingskin92 and applying pressure, a first sensor activates advancement of the tissue penetrator assembly. As the tissue penetrator advances,third penetration shoulder54 is stopped byannular stop50. The rest of the tissue penetrator assembly continues to advance such thatsecond penetration shoulder53 contacts third penetration shoulder54 (FIG. 4B). Concurrently, the tip oftissue penetrator40 contactsanterior cortex95 as shown inFIG. 4B.

This contact together with continued application of pressure by the operator initiates the second stage by triggering a second sensor to activatemotor22.Motor22 then propelsfirst penetration shoulder51 the preset or operator-set distance tosecond penetration shoulder53. This, in turn, advances the tip oftissue penetrator40 throughanterior cortex95 and intoIO space96 as shown inFIG. 4C.

Depth Probes or Sensors

Devices of the present invention may include various depth probes or sensors that detect the location of the needle, the bone, or both. Sensors are preferably connected to a control mechanism (e.g. a logic board) that determines whether needle advancement shall begin, continue, or terminate. Control mechanisms may also be mechanical or triggers. Sensor detection and controller evaluation may be intermittent, periodic or continuous.

For example, an ultrasonic detector may be used to locate the sternal cortex. In the non-limiting embodiment, shown inFIG. 6A,tissue penetrator40 is in the storage or undeployed position.Ultrasonic sensor71 detects the distance between the device (e.g. flange12) andIO space96.Ultrasonic sensor71 may also detect the position oftissue penetrator40.FIG. 6B showstissue penetrator40 in contact withanterior cortex95, ready for penetration. Detection byultrasonic sensor71 allows the device to tailor further advancement of the cannula to the exact dimensions of the targeted bone (FIG. 6C). This may be particularly advantageous given the variability from patient to patient and variations due to compression of skin and muscle by the device operator. This signaling process is outlined in the flowchart shown inFIG. 6D. Briefly, a sensor detects tissue penetrator, bone location, or both. This data is communicated to a logic board that measures or calculates the distance from the sensor to the bone. Upon obtaining this information, the driver is activated to advance the tissue penetrator the appropriate distance to achieve bone penetration.

Bone cortex is very dense requiring considerable force to penetrate. As soon as the needle or drill passes through the cortex and enters the intraosseous space a pronounced change is noted in the force required to advance the needle. Resulting changes may be a decrease in torque and an increase in motor revolutions per minute (RPM). These changes can be measured and used to switch off the motor or activate a brake to prevent additional, potentially dangerous drilling activity.

Thus, sensors of the invention may detect torque, revolutions per minute (RPM), backpressure, power consumption or any other relevant measure of needle advancement. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 12A, the sensor is mechanically coupled to the motor and detects torque and/or RPMs and activates the switch. Thus, the sensor may be a shaft encoder. By contrast, the embodiment shown inFIG. 12B the sensor is coupled to the electrical circuit between the motor and the power source and detects amperage and/or voltage.

FIG. 13A illustrates the changes in torque or amperage as a function of drilling time or depth of penetration. At the time of penetration (P), the sensor may detect the decrease in torque or amperage and may discontinues needle advancement. If the needle is rotating, a brake may be applied to bring it to rest.

FIG. 13B illustrates the changes in RPM or voltage as a function of drilling time or depth of penetration. At the time of penetration (P), the sensor may detect the decrease in torque or amperage and may discontinues needle advancement. If the needle is rotating, a brake may be applied to bring it to rest.

Probes and sensors of the invention may be operably coupled to a driver, a tissue penetrator, a depth control mechanism, or portions or combinations thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tissue penetrator itself may be or include a depth probe or sensor.

Reusable Handle/Disposable Cartridge

The present invention provides intraosseous access devices with a reusable handle and a disposable cartridge containing the needle, one embodiment of which is illustrated inFIG. 16. The advantage of these devices over currently available devices is the overall size and weight reduction of carrying multiple devices in the field, such as in the medical pack by army medics. Ten (10) units of currently disposable IO devices weigh far more and take much more space than one reusable handle with 10 disposable needle assemblies. The greater part of the weight and size may be in the reusable handle. Reusable handles may contain a driver in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Disposable cartridges may include tissue penetrator assemblies and depth sensors in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Disposable cartridges of the invention may engage or lock into the reusable handle with a recess and detent or any other mechanism.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment of an IO device of the invention includingreusable handle19 anddisposable cartridge15. This figure shows the handle separate fromcartridge15 as seen prior to connecting for use.Cartridge15 includestissue penetrator40, probes70,detent16,coupling member13, and endmember14.Cartridge15 further includesreleasable needle shield18.Tissue penetrator40 and probes70 are covered byneedle shield18 to protect the user from accidental needle sticks and preservetissue penetrator40.Shield15 may have a domed surface as shown or a flat surface to allow the cartridge to stand alone. While not shown in the figure, cartridges of the invention may further include, without limitation, hubs, flanges, screws, and bolts.

Reusable handle19 includeshousing10,spring25, and engaginglock17. Engaginglock17 engagesdetent16 upon insertion ofcartridge15 intohandle19. As a result,cartridge15 may “pop” or snap into reusable handle19 (FIG. 16B). Although not expressly pictured,cartridge15 and handle19 may include a locking mechanism that is engaged by twistingcartridge15 intohandle19.Needle shield18 may be removed when ready for use (FIG. 16C). Deployment oftissue penetrator40 is similar to that described for other embodiments. See e.g.FIG. 8. Briefly,compressed spring25 is released uponprobes70 contactinganterior cortex95. Asspring25 expands, it propelstissue penetrator40 throughanterior cortex95 and into intraosseous space96 (FIG. 16D). Thereafter,reusable handle19 may be removed and a access tointraosseous space96 may be gained through connector44 (FIG. 16E).Spring25 need not contactconnector45, but may contact a plate or other struction (not expressly shown) that drivestissue penetrator40 intobone94.

As shown inFIG. 17A, a driver (here spring25) in accordance with the invention is shown in the undeployed, ready position. Contact withskin92 may activate thespring25, which causestissue penetrator40 to penetrateskin92,muscle93, andproximal cortex95. Advancement oftissue penetrator40 continues untilcollar42 contacts proximal cortex95 (FIG. 17B). Thus, according to this embodiment,flange32 acts as the depth control mechanism. Other depth control mechanisms may also be employed such as a probe, sensor, rib and any combination thereof. Once advancement is arrested, the end oftissue penetrator40 is positioned inintraosseous space96.

The reusable handle, which here includeshousing10 andspring25, may be removed leavingtissue penetrator assembly30 behind (FIG. 17C).Tissue penetrator assembly30 includeshub31 to provide stabilization oftissue penetrator40 against the skin and to provide for additional security against accidental advancement or dislodgement during patient transport.Hub31 incorporates aflange32 at its distal end to provide for skin safety and better stabilization. After insertion oftissue penetrator40 into theIO space hub31 is adjusted byscrew33 or other mechanism so that it snuggly fits against the skin.Tissue penetrator40 may be fixedly attached to screw33 either before insertion or after insertion (e.g. by a locking mechanism).IO space96 may then be aseptically accessed throughconnector45.

Methods

One aspect of the invention is a method of establishing access to the intraosseous space including contacting the skin covering the manubrium of a subject with a device including a driver, a tissue penetrator, and a depth control mechanism, deploying the tissue penetrator. The term “subject” may include any vertebrate with a sternum. The term “operator” may include anyone who uses a device of the invention including, without limitation, a health care professional and the subject. The term “deploying the tissue penetrator” may mean advancing the tissue penetrator from its starting position a sufficient distance to situate the tip of the tissue penetrator in the IO space. The method may further include detaching the driver from the tissue penetrator after insertion of the tissue penetrator is achieved.

For example, according to the embodiments pictured inFIGS. 2-3, the operator insertstissue penetrator40 into the subject at the region shown inFIG. 1.Tissue penetrator40, which includes a pressure sensor, detects the increase in pressure that occurs when the tip contactsanterior cortex95. The sensor then activatesdriver20 to advancetissue penetrator40 until coupling end24 (FIG. 2) or coupling end26 (FIG. 3) contactsannular stop50. While not expressly shown, a connector recessed in the coupling end may be used to accessIO space96. This access may optionally involve removal of portions of the device, such ashousing10,driver20,driver shaft23, andcoupling end24 or26.

In a related embodiment shown inFIG. 5,tissue penetrator40 includes a pressure-sensor (not expressly shown). Upon application of an axial force by the operator against the subject's sternum, tissue penetrator pierces the subjects skin, muscle, and subcutaneous tissue to contact bone. The sensor either directly or indirectly activatesmotor22 to rotatetissue penetrator40, thereby beginning drilling into the bone. Simultaneously or subsequently,gear56 may engageribs55 to regulate the depth of drilling. For example, upon detecting a drop in pressure, the sensor may directly or indirectly brake or block further rotation ofgear56.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (7)

1. A method for accessing the intraosseous space of a subject's sternum comprising:

contacting the skin covering the manubrium of the subject with a device having:

a disposable cartridge and a reusable handle;

the disposable cartridge having:

a tissue penetrator configured to penetrate the sternum and provide access to the intraosseous space of the sternum, the tissue penetrator comprising an outer cannula and an inner trocar;

a depth control mechanism operable to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum;

the depth control mechanism including depth probes disposed adjacent to the tissue penetrator; and

the depth probes operable to deploy the tissue penetrator and to allow the driver to insert the tissue penetrator into the intraosseous space of the sternum;

the reusable handle having:

a driver, disposed within the reusable handle, operable to drive a portion of the tissue penetrator into the sternum; and

the reusable handle configured to releasably engage the disposable cartridge;

advancing the tissue penetrator a sufficient distance to place at least a portion of the cannula in the intraosseous space;

releasing the reusable handle by twisting the disposable cartridge from the reusable handle; and

accessing the intraosseous space via a connector located on the disposable cartridge.

2. An apparatus for accessing bone marrow disposed in an intraosseous space of a sternum comprising:

a driver;

a disposable cartridge including a tissue penetrator operable to penetrate the sternum and provide access to bone marrow in the intraosseous space of the sternum;

the tissue penetrator having an inner trocar and an outer cannula;

the disposable cartridge including a depth control mechanism operable to control depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum;

the depth control mechanism including depth probes disposed adjacent to the tissue penetrator;

the depth probes operable to deploy the tissue penetrator and to allow the driver to insert the tissue penetrator into the intraosseous space of the sternum;

a reusable handle configured to releasably engage the disposable cartridge;

the disposable cartridge having a detent to releasably engage to a recess located on the reusable handle;

the detent and recess operable to be twisted to releasably engage the disposable cartridge with the reusable handle;

the driver disposed within the reusable handle; and

the driver operable to drive the tissue penetrator to a desired level in the bone marrow of the sternum.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the driver further comprises a power source selected from the group consisting of a manual power source, a battery, a coiled spring, a compressed gas, and a solar power cell.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the driver comprises a spring.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 2 further comprising:

the driver including a power source disposed in a housing;

a depth control mechanism including depth probes operable to control the depth of penetration of the tissue penetrator into the sternum; and

the tissue penetrator and the depth probes extending from the driver, the driver operable to insert the tissue penetrator to a pre-selected depth in the intraosseous space of the sternum.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the power source further comprises:

a spring with one end of the spring disposed adjacent to and contacting an end member;

the tissue penetrator and the depth probes extending from the end member opposite from the spring; and

a connector attached to the end member and aligned with the tissue penetrator to provide access through the connector and the tissue penetrator into the intraosseous space.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the driver is a manual driver.

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